Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Guests
Visiting Friends and Relatives
Ladies and Gentlemen

Thirty-three years ago, Samoa celebrated its first Teuila Festival. Three
years ago, due to covid restrictions we had to transition the Festival to a
virtual format. Tonight, due to God’s Grace, we are here to resume with
the celebration. And with that, I acknowledge and extend my sincere
appreciation to Rev Vaitusi the Principal of Malua Theological College for
leading us in our worship this evening; and to Malua Theological College
Choir, thank you for the beautiful singing.

The significance of Tourism as a key revenue source for our nation
cannot be overemphasized.

And it gives me great pleasure to say that 12 months since borders
reopened in August last year until July this year, the recovery of the
Sector compared to pre-covid time in terms of Visitor arrivals has been
astounding at 77.15%. This surpasses our forecasts which were made
with much uncertainty during the period of covid, where a safe recovery
was predicted only to start after 5 years post covid.

Tourism earnings have also increased beyond our expectation.

The Teuila Festival whilst it is a celebration dedicated to honouring our
Samoan culture, it is also utilized as another platform from a tourism
perspective to exhibit to the world, Samoa’s point of difference – what
differentiates us from the rest of the world – a unique and hospitable
culture, our humble way of life, and who we are as a nation founded on
God.

Tourism affects our lives to some extent, positively as well as negatively.
And this is why Tourism is ALL of our responsibility.

For Samoa to continue to reap significant benefits from Tourism, I
implore to our people to continue to keep our Samoa clean and
beautiful, keeping our visiting friends and families safe and just be the
hospitable or “talimalo” people that we are.

The exhibition of the Samoan Culture through the Teuila Festival that
validates the branding “Beautiful Samoa” starts tonight with beautiful
Choral Singing, which is a great part of Samoan life.

The rest will be showcased during the week with traditional cultural
entertainment, games, carving, tattooing, fabric printing, and food
experiences, with the Miss Samoa Pageant as the finale of the Teuila
festivities on Saturday night.

May God be with us all during the week of the Teuila Festivities. And I
also wish the 10 Contestants vying for the crown of Miss Samoa all the
best!

I now declare the 33rd Teuila Festival 2023 officially open.

Soifua ma ia manuia.